The Jock by J.L. Beck Page 0,7
up the tutoring session this evening. I wanted to see how things went.”
“Well, it went about as good as being late and not having the session could go. Cage was late, so I left. If he’s not going to respect my time and take me seriously, then I’m not going to work with him.”
“Damnit!” he growls into the phone. “I’m sorry, Blair. I understand what you mean. I just need him on the team. He’s a damn good ballplayer, and I don’t want his academics to stand in the way of him being able to play.”
“I get it, but if he’s not showing up to do the work, I can’t help.” And that’s the truth. No matter what you do, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want help. Not that I don’t think Cage wants the help, he wouldn’t have shown up if he didn’t care.
He just didn’t care enough, clearly.
“Okay, I’ll have a talk with him. You think you could give him another chance?”
Ugh. The last thing I want to do is be confined to a small space for an hour, twice a week, with my arch enemy. Still, I couldn’t let my dislike of the guy sway my choice on helping him. In the end, tutoring was an easy way to make money, and I need the money.
“I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
Coach Willard sighs into the phone. I know it’s not the answer he wants to hear, but it’s the only one he’s getting right now. “All right. Let me know. In the meantime, I’ll have a talk with him and get him on track. If you give him another chance, I promise he won’t waste your time.”
“Okay, I’ll make a decision and let you know,” I reply before ending the call.
Climbing off the bed, I grab a pair of clean sleep shorts and a tank top. It’s not like anyone will see me anyway. As I undress and undo my bra, I let out a sigh. Who knew that undoing your bra could bring such great joy?
Tossing the clothes into the hamper, I trudge back to the bed, grab my backpack, and unload my books. I have a lot of homework and some studying to do, but I don’t feel like doing anything but curling under the covers and reading a book.
Still, homework won’t do itself, and I’m determined to maintain my 4.0 GPA this semester. Grabbing a bottle of water from the minifridge, I get situated underneath the covers, organizing my books, notebooks, and pens where I want them.
I’ve just cracked open my economics book when my phone starts to ring. I swear to God if it’s Coach Willard, I’m tossing the damn thing out the window.
Seeing MOM flash across the front of the screen, I hit the green answer key.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetie, how are things going?” This is her subtle way of asking if I’m making any friends or getting the full college experience.
“Things are good. Classes are great. I still don’t have a roommate, but I think that might change soon with the end of the semester coming up.”
“Awe, I’m sorry, honey. Your brother and I miss you so much. We could make a trip to come up and see you sometime?” I find myself shaking my head.
“No, that’s okay. I’m fine. You don’t have to drive up.”
One it’s a three-hour drive one way, and two, I don’t want her to waste what little money she has on making a trip to come see me. They’re barely getting by, and I can’t possibly ask her to come visit even if I’m missing home and feeling lonely.
“Are you sure, sweetie? You sound sad. It’s not a big deal for us to drive up there.”
Dear lord. I need to switch the subject before she makes the choice for both of us.
“I’m happy. I even went to my first college party.”
“Oh, yay! I’m so happy to hear that. I had hoped you would come out of your shell at college. It’s just too bad I’m not there to see it. How was it? Did you meet any boys?”
One, and he’s a complete and utter asshole.
“Yes, there were lots of boys there. No one of interest to me though.”
“That’s fine. You’ll find someone, maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually.” All my life, my mother has been the type to fall for the first guy to bat his eyes at her. I don’t want to be like that.
“Mom, I’m here to study and get